In a world infiltrated by COVID-19, fear is not hard to find. Amid the many words of advice and the variation of reactions to this pandemic—ranging from hoarding to nonchalance—we are all faced with a choice:
Faith or fear?
As believers, we have the opportunity to demonstrate faith every time there is the temptation to worry. In fact, by God’s standards, we aren’t permitted to worry. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6 NIV).
But what is faith?
Despite cultural definitions, faith is not a positive mental attitude. It's not being reckless, expecting optimistic thoughts to keep evil away.The Amplified version of Colossians 1:4 describes faith as “the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness.”Faith is the demonstration of trusting that God is Who He says He is. It looks facts straight in the face, and still says, “No matter what, God will always be on the throne.”
Fear puts trust in our ability (or lack of) and focuses on the negative, but godly faith makes our human ability or inability irrelevant, and looks to the incomparable character of God, who is all-knowing, all-powerful, always present, loving, good, and merciful.
How, though?
Faith is fostered. Practiced. Applied and reapplied daily, hourly even.Here are three ways we can each demonstrate faith over fear, not only during a pandemic, but in every storm where we need an anchor:
1. Through our thoughts
“…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Faith can’t grow in soil poisoned by toxic thoughts. Nor does it bear up with a foundation of hopeful wishes. Instead, faith prospers in soil saturated in truth—the truth of God’s character, love, sovereignty, etc. “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” Ephesians 3:17 NLT.
2. Through our words, especially quoting the Word of God
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thought and intentions of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12 ESV
The Word of God changes the atmosphere and brings life. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21 NASB). When others hear a vocabulary of faith, fear cannot compete for the atmosphere.
3. Through our actions
“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?” - James 2:14 NLT
The world needs Christians who say and do what the Word says. This is a time in which our actions can tell our neighbors or anyone observing from a distance--even a six-foot distance!--that abiding in Christ brings forth peace, hope, and love.
How are you and your ministry prevailing in faith right now? What was a time in the past when faith sustained you?
Also, let us know how we be praying for you and your ministry at this time!
